1970 FJ40 Project started

GUITARFELLO · 11-17-08, 04:02 PM

Hello I live in Colorado Springs CO, and just picked up a 1970 FJ40 with straight F motor, 3 speed, hard top, and original pto winch. I have started going through the front end (steering problems). Just thought I'd say hello and that I am trying to bring an original old cruiser to life! If you would like to come see it, give advice etc... just message me.

Thanks,

Brandon

Isotel · 11-17-08, 04:35 PM

Cool Project.. You should try and come by a meeting! Post up some photos if you get a chance!

Man Jerk · 11-18-08, 01:42 PM

I could use some garage time. Let us know when you are wrenching and I'll see if I can stop by.

Isotel · 11-24-08, 01:44 AM

brandon, any updates? or have you figured out how to post photos yet? what part of town are you on?

GUITARFELLO · 11-24-08, 06:04 PM

To answer your questions, no I haven't figured out how to post photos. I am located at Union and Academy. I am always up for wrenching and getting any and all advise! I will work on getting pics posted tomorrow morning!

To update, I am making sense of the original wiring + Previous owners wiring and got it up and charging again. I tightened up the center arm, put in a new steering stabilizer. I also tightened and cleaned the drag link assembly, but this thing still pulls and the steering box is still loose. The steering still sucks so if anybody has a spare minute to check it out and give me their two cents, I'd really appreciate it. Bring good advise and know-how and I'll bring the beer. I have a feeling that the answer will be to rebuild the knuckles...and new tire rods...

I have a soft top, rear jump seats and a stock tire carrier on the way too!

Take it easy,

Brandon

Oh and I have limited internet so my telephone number is 719-337-1491. I have crappy service but check my messages a lot. I usually work on it on the weekends and after school and work.

RLMS · 11-24-08, 07:52 PM

Tighten the bell crank bolt! Until you have 2-3 treads sticking out! That should tighten it up a bit!

The bell crank is the pivot point of the steering, if you follow the arm from the box to the front of the bib, by the frame that is the bell crank!

Later
Justin

GUITARFELLO · 11-25-08, 12:28 PM

Hey thanks for the tip, I'll try it today!

Brandon

GUITARFELLO · 11-25-08, 08:29 PM

Well I tried tightening the bellcrank and it was tight...so I think the problem is in the steering box/steering knuckles/tierods

Oh and finally got some pics!!!

Isotel · 11-26-08, 04:48 PM

Sweet! should be a fun project, I Bet all those components are worn out.. time for new stuff, or A Spring over and Power steering.

if you don't need that tow bar, take that Hideous thing off and scrap it! Free mod! lol

GUITARFELLO · 11-26-08, 05:15 PM

Haha yep!!! Farmer's special...it got the cruiser home though.....sadly already cut apart and all i kept was the angle iron! Haha pulled it off and saved about 40 off the cruiser...free mod indeed!

leemj · 12-03-08, 03:39 PM

Hey Brandon,
Im new to the area also and have a 1970 FJ40! Its not running right now but was for a while. Im thinking that I need to adjust the carb to compensate for the altitude. Needless to say it is sitting in my garage, would also love to help if I can, I dont have any experience but would love to start working on my FJ also!

Isotel · 12-04-08, 03:04 PM

Brandon, Nice to meet you the other day! enjoy the roll bar!

Leemj, Welcome to the Springs, hope to see you at a meeting or run soon! let us know when your working on it!

Trevor

RLMS · 12-05-08, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isotel

Brandon, Nice to meet you the other day! enjoy the roll bar!

Leemj, Welcome to the Springs, hope to see you at a meeting or run soon! let us know when your working on it!

Trevor

Lets get some beer and pizza, then make a day of it!!! mmmmmmpizza

Justin

leemj · 12-08-08, 09:54 AM

Thought I would post of my 1970 FJ40. Older pic when I was still in Alaska but have recently installed a 2.5" Lift before I moved to the Springs. Sorry I dont have any intention of Hijacking your blog.

GUITARFELLO · 12-08-08, 11:54 AM

Cool cruiser! No worries on hijacking my thread....good to see some other 40's in the springs area.

Well i put in the roll bar and mounted in the rear jump seats yesterday.

Issue # 1 now my radiator is having issues... I will take it out and fix it when the weather gets better... (we're in for snow i hear)

issue # 2 i have charging trouble again. Seems to slowly de-charge the system over a couple days driving time... Had the battery and alternator tested and the both check out...so a little confused as to why the battery slowly de-charges?

Next i am planning on going down to a1 and trying to find some power steering stuff and am contemplating a soa, but have been fabbing up some new shackles so we'll see how much lift that gets me!

Man Jerk · 12-08-08, 12:10 PM

I have an FJ60 steering box if you decide to go that route.